Treasury, Tourism ministries locked in row over Bomas funding

A fallout between Treasury CS John Mbadi and Tourism CS Rebbecca Miano over a Sh4.5 billion allocation for renovating Bomas of Kenya has triggered concerns in Parliament, with lawmakers stepping in to demand answers from both officials.

The dispute stems from a directive by Mbadi asking the Tourism department to ring-fence the funds through the Tourism Promotion Fund (TPF), even though the Bomas facility falls under a different ministry.

Miano told the Tourism committee she had written to Mbadi seeking clarification.

"We received a letter from the National Treasury about the ring-fencing of the funds. I have requested the National Treasury CS for a meeting to understand the contents of the letter. Allow me to report back once I have heard from him," she said.

Tourism and Wildlife Committee chair Kareke Mbiuki told the Budget and Appropriations Committee that the allocation had been put on hold.

"We have since invited the two CSs to shed light in terms of the financing of Bomas of Kenya. As we sit here, there are absolutely no funds that we have approved towards the Bomas of Kenya renovation," he said.

The planned renovations, costing Sh31.6 billion, are reportedly to be financed by Turkish firm Summa Turizm Yatirimciligi Sirketi under a public-private partnership.

But Miano stunned the committee when she revealed Bomas is not under her docket but the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, as per Executive Order No.2 of 2023.

Tongaren MP John Chikati supported the committee’s decision to keep off. "This issue of cross transfer of funds can only be done under proper guidance and through requisite documentation like memoranda of understanding between the two ministries. As of now, there exists none," he said.

Mbiuki warned that TPF had not received clearance to spend any money. "That is why we decided to summon the two CSs to shed light on the matter. The committee will ensure that the law is followed in the transfer of funds from one ministry to another," he added.

The issue has raised further concerns, given financial constraints facing critical tourism projects.

The Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi, under construction since 2009, remains stalled despite being a key hospitality training facility.

The Tourism Research Institute also continues to suffer from underfunding, despite the tourism sector bringing in Sh452.2 billion last year and projected to reach Sh560 billion.

"Why surrender all its available resources to finance the Bomas of Kenya renovations? Was it a priority in the first place?" Mbiuki asked.